Starfish Teacher—Meredith Woolbright

I am nominating Ms. Woolbright for the Starfish Award this week.  Ms. Woolbright diligently checks on the status of the library weekly.  I watch her interact with her students, value the respect that they offer and how they step up to the challenges that she offers.  Frequently, school events are viewed as another task to add to a list of duties, yet, I always witness Ms. Woolbright stepping up to the task and initiating creative ideas.  She never works alone but, rather involves the students in the outcomes.  I have witnessed this with Holiday decorations, Spirit Week events and, most recently, the Military Week Breakfast decorations. 

 And, the biggest characteristic that Ms. Woolbright brings to school each and every day is her bright smile.  The students find her approachable, warm and caring, yet, listen and respect her directions.  I believe this quality makes Ms. Woolbright a strong candidate for the Starfish Award.  Not only does she respect our students, nurture their growth but also supports our staff, encourages us through the day and is always willing and ready to help.  I value all our teachers and what they offer our students, but I do recognize the support and positivity of Ms. Woolbright. 

It has been such a joy to watch this incredible educator grow from a dedicated substitute teacher into an amazing librarian who truly serves as the heart of our school. From the very beginning, she connected with students and staff in a way that made them feel seen and valued. Now in the library, she has created a welcoming space where every child feels safe, encouraged, and inspired to explore new ideas. She genuinely loves the kids, and it shows in the patience, kindness, and enthusiasm she brings each day. Whether it’s helping a student find the perfect book, supporting a teacher with a last-minute need, or stepping in wherever there’s a gap, she never hesitates to lend a hand. Our school is better because of her dedication, flexibility, and unwavering commitment to our students.

I chose Ms. Cooks as the Starfish Teacher because she truly makes a difference every single day. She is a wizard at math and always goes above and beyond to make sure her students understand. She is loving, caring, and funny, which makes her classroom a safe and happy place to learn. She takes her time with students and is always willing to help when they are struggling with math assignments. She has even helped me with my own college algebra, which shows how selfless and supportive she is. I have learned so much just by being in her class, and I love watching her teach 7th grade math. She inspires me to become the best teacher I can be.

Congratulations to this week’s Starfish Award recipient, Ms. Lee!! She is a great asset to Biloxi Junior High School. She builds great relationships with her students, holds them accountable, and guides them to make good choices. She is always smiling and raising morale across campus. Ms. Lee is also known to NEVER miss a dress up day! She is an outstanding member of the BJH family and we are so fortunate to have her here with us. Ms. Lee, thank you for all you do and the great impact you make on your students, coworkers, and school.

Mr. Dearing is a constant positive presence in our school. He is always willing to help wherever needed and does so with a great attitude and a smile. Mr. Dearing approaches each day with flexibility, professionalism, and genuine care for his students and colleagues.

He never hesitates to step in, support others, or take on extra responsibilities without complaint. His positivity and team-first mindset make a meaningful difference in our school climate. We are grateful for Mr. Dearing’s dedication, reliability, and the positive example he sets for both students and staff.
 

Rachel Laphand has been chosen as Starfish Teacher of the Week because of her dedication to our students in need.  Whether they have emotional or physical needs, Mrs. Laphand will hear it all and, oftentimes, fix it. She makes the difficult phone calls with parents and guardians that no one wants to have to make.  She sponsors our HUGE Beta Club & all the community service projects that they do for our community.  She gathers gifts for our faculty and staff, sending reminders, putting forth the thought and effort. She has those hard conversations with our kids. She remains patient and kind, despite the things she deals with in her position.  She sees some of the worst yet remains one of the most positive people on campus.  

Mrs. Laphand is a positive role model to those students she meets with regularly.  She is a kind, calm presence that allows the students to open up to her in ways others cannot. She is patient and understanding with the adults that she deals with as well.  Mrs. Laphand is a listening ear to teachers who need advice about students and those of us who sometimes just need to vent.  She may not teach an academic subject, but she teaches our kids how to understand themselves and their feelings & emotions– to some of our hardest-to-reach kids.  Her position is not an easy, breezy one, but she still smiles & never says, “no.”  She always tries and always, always makes a BIG difference. 

Starfish Teacher–Christine Cvitanovich

I’d like to take a moment to brag on Mrs. Cvitanovich and the incredible work she does as a 7th grade math teacher. She has a real gift for breaking down tough concepts so that even the most math-shy student feels like they can tackle the lesson. Her classroom is a place where kids learn, laugh, and actually enjoy math—something most folks would’ve sworn was impossible until they met her.

What really makes her shine, though, is the way she balances love and discipline. She’s firm when she needs to be, sweet when it counts, and the students know she means business either way. She can give a look that’ll straighten a kid out faster than sweet tea disappears on a summer day—but she follows it up with encouragement that stays with them long after the bell rings.

On top of all that, she’s a joy to work with. She supports her coworkers, brings humor into even the busiest days, and sets a standard of dedication that lifts the whole team. We are lucky beyond measure to have her, and our school is better because of the heart and hard work she brings every single day.

Thank you,

Christian S. Patterson

I am excited to pass the Starfish Teacher Award to Christian Patterson. 

Christian is the perfect blend of soft-spoken and strong. He challenges his students with high expectations, finding ways to incorporate higher-level learning when he recognizes student strengths in reading. He is incredibly driven when it comes to enhancing the abilities of lower-level students. His students will tell you that he is the best teacher ever when it comes to reading. He can explain challenging concepts to students and help them understand.  He uses their interests to find connections to the topics that help them comprehend the material in a way that they are able to recall easily.  He has high expectations of his students.  He consistently holds them accountable when it comes to their classwork and behavior.  By encouraging his students to be their best, he inspires them to achieve success. 

In every aspect of his classroom, Christian leads with patience and kindness. His supportive personality helps students gain confidence not only in their work but also in themselves. He skillfully uses humor to build connections, making him easy for students to respect—and they appreciate the respect he shows them in return. Christian creates a safe, welcoming environment where his calm, collected demeanor reassures students that they are valued. His genuine care is the foundation of his inclusive ELA classroom. 

As a co-worker, Christian is reliable, honest, and easy to collaborate with. His professionalism, positivity, and steady commitment to student success elevate everyone around him. Christian embodies everything the Starfish Teacher Award represents: quiet impact, genuine connection, and a dedication that reaches both students and colleagues. We are fortunate to have him on our campus, and I am honored to pass this recognition on to him. 

Thank you, Christian, for the impact you make every day. 

Starfish Teacher